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can you use pliers instead of a wrench

by Noelia Upton Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Yes, you can use pliers instead of a wrench for tightening, loosening, or handling the bolts, nuts, and pipes. But this should not be on a regular basis, especially for the same bolts and nuts. Everyday use of pliers might strip out the bolt threads due to their flexible jaws, putting up a high chance of slipping out.

Plumbers will often use tongue-and-groove pliers for just about everything. But a good rule of thumb is that for any fitting with a nut on it or a hex head, use a wrench. If you're going to use pliers on a hex-shaped fitting, bolt, or nut, at least use a pair that has a V-notch in the jaws to accommodate the hex shape.Jun 4, 2015

Full Answer

What can you use instead of an allen wrench?

Another tool that can be used in place of an Allen wrench is a torque wrench. It is used to control and apply a specific torque to a fastener including a bolt or a nut and is very important when you’re doing things like changing a tire or other maintenance including industrial repairs, to ensure the safety of others.

When to use a torque wrench vs an allen wrench?

Either one will get the job done when you are trying to take apart wood, plastic, or metal or put it back together and it requires an Allen wrench. A Torx key is used to tighten and undo fasteners, including bolts and scre Another tool that can be used in place of an Allen wrench is a torque wrench.

What is a socket wrench used for?

A socket wrench is a type of ratchet tool that boasts several detachable sockets that can be used for tightening and loosening nuts of different sizes. If you have one that will fit in the hex screw hole or hexagonal socket you are working with, a socket wrench may come in handy in place of an Allen wrench.

What is a wrench/spanner used for?

What is a Wrench/Spanner Used for? Spanners come in many types and sizes for a variety of different tasks and are an indispensable part of any toolbox. Used to loosen or tighten nuts, bolts, pipes and pipes fittings they prove their usefulness many times over.

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Can I use pliers as a wrench?

0:452:23How to Choose and Use Pliers and Wrenches | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll of your force can be used to spin the nut. And there's little chance of stripping it or roundingMoreAll of your force can be used to spin the nut. And there's little chance of stripping it or rounding it over a wrench like this works if you have a hexagonal nut you can grab onto.

What can I use in place of a wrench?

What to Use if You Don't Have a WrenchDuck tape. Duct tape is useful in almost any situation but you may be surprised to learn that you can use it to loosen bolts. ... Two coins. Who would think that money can be used as a makeshift tool? ... Zip-tie. ... Another nut and bolt.

Can you use pliers instead of socket wrench?

Never use pliers instead of a wrench or a wrench as a hammer.

What is the difference between pliers and a wrench?

Wrenches are designed to fit nuts, bolts and other standard fasteners. Pliers grip, turn, squeeze and rotate round or irregularly shaped objects of most any size, from baling wire to barbecue grills. One bit of advice: If you have a job that could be completed with either a wrench or pliers, use the wrench.

How do I get something off without a wrench?

0:181:533 Ways To Take Off a Nut WITHOUT A Wrench! LIFE HACK! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMethod to reach into your pocket. And pull up to quarters any large coin will work as well nextMoreMethod to reach into your pocket. And pull up to quarters any large coin will work as well next scrap the quarters. And place them on opposite sides of the hex nut. Now grip them with your index.

How do you unscrew a nut?

Most standard screws, bolts or nuts are unscrewed by turning them anti-clockwise, as shown in the image below. A good way to remember this is to try and commit to memory the phrase that all junior mechanics learn – righty tighty, lefty loosey.

Why should not you ever use pliers on nuts?

Because their jaws are flexible. They leave tool marks on the nut or bolt head, often rounding the corner so much that it becomes extremely difficult to fit the proper wrench on the nut or bolt head in the future. Pliers can slip on a nut or bolt head and cause bruised knuckles or worse.

Can you tighten nut with pliers?

Use locking pliers to grip the fastener Get a tight grip: You may have only two or three chances before the head gets so rounded that even this won't work. Use penetrating oil, heat and tapping if it slips after your first try.

How do you loosen a nut that won't budge?

To loosen a nut or bolt that won't come off, start by spraying the connection with penetrating oil. Allow the oil to soak in for a time, then try loosening it with a wrench. To allow for more torque on the nut or bolt, slip a piece of metal pipe over the handle of the wrench to give you more leverage when turning it.

What are pliers wrench?

0:002:35KNIPEX Pliers Wrench - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut patented easy-to-use Kinney pecs pliers wrench is the ultimate tool for a fastening grippingMoreBut patented easy-to-use Kinney pecs pliers wrench is the ultimate tool for a fastening gripping holding and bending.

What are wrench pliers called?

Locking Pliers These adjustable pliers are designed to be used as a hand-held vice or clamp that locks firmly onto a workpiece. Also called plier wrenches, lever-wrench pliers, and by the proprietary name Vicegrips, they have a double-lever action.

Are channel locks pliers or wrench?

Channellock is an American company that produces hand tools. It is best known for its pliers—the company manufactures more than 140 types of pliers—particularly its eponymous style of tongue-and-groove, slip-joint pliers.

How do you unscrew a tight bolt?

Lubricate the bolt with WD-40 and use vice-grip pliers or a long wrench to twist loose. Heat it with a torch for 15 seconds to loosen it more if needed. For rust, apply rust-penetrating liquid thread loosener and strike the the bolt 6-12 times with a hammer. Twist loose with a long-handled socket wrench.

How do you loosen a pipe without a wrench?

0:271:35How to Remove the P-Trap Without a Plumbing Wrench - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing your rag place it in your hand and grip the p-trap. Now grip the other side and you're doingMoreUsing your rag place it in your hand and grip the p-trap. Now grip the other side and you're doing this so you don't actually snap the pipe. And just turn it loosen up a little bit now do the other.

How do you unscrew a shower head without a wrench?

Fill a plastic sandwich bag with white vinegar, wrap the bag around the showerhead so that it's completely immersed, especially the connector, and secure the bag to the shower arm with rubber bands. Wait about 2 hours, then remove the bag, and you should be able to turn the showerhead by hand.

How do you make a homemade spanner wrench?

0:495:21Make Your Own Adjustible Pin Wrench Spanner - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo here's a close-up of spanners just a piece of metal with the two prongs right here and this goesMoreSo here's a close-up of spanners just a piece of metal with the two prongs right here and this goes actually goes for this one. He goes into the two holes in the nut.

What is a wrench used for?

Used to loosen or tighten nuts, bolts, pipes and pipes fittings they prove their usefulness many times over.

How many coins can be used as makeshift tools?

Who would think that money can be used as a makeshift tool? Take two large coins (2 pence coins work perfectly for this) and place them on either side of the nut.

How to use duck tape to loosen bolts?

Duct tape is useful in almost any situation but you may be surprised to learn that you can use it to loosen bolts. First tear off a section roughly 12 inches in length, after this tear it down the middle so you are left with two 12 inch strips.

Can you make a spanner with two nuts and two bolts?

Another nut and bolt. If you don’t have any of the previously mentioned objects but have plenty of nuts and bolts lying around, you can still create a makeshift spanner with two nuts and two bolts.

Hex Wrench of Hex Key Wrench

Basically, there is a minor difference between hex wrench and Allen wrench. Moreover, they perform the following the same way. But you need to use a hex wrench when the working screw is a hex bolt or hex screw. Even though they look alike.

Torx Key

Torx keys are a handy tool specially engineered for tightening or loosening Torx fasteners. They are suitable for most electric tools like air blowers, electric wrenches, etc. The handle of the Torx key delivers extra leverage that tightens or loosens screw effortlessly.

Torque Wrench

What to use instead of an Allen wrench? Well, grab a torque wrench and get the job done. This stool is specialized in controlling and applying specific torque to a fastener that includes a nut or bolt.

Kitchen Knife

Head to your kitchen when you can’t afford an Allen wrench and get the flat-tipped kitchen knife. This kitchen utensil is made of durable materials, which means you can create enough torque without breaking them.

Flat Head Screwdriver

A flat head screwdriver will be a handful solution when you cannot find an Allen wrench at your home. Put the Allen screw’s end in the socket. Use it to act to create leverage in the hole to rotate it. Remember, the wider the bolt or nut’s socket, the wider the screwdriver you will need to use.

Combination Wrench or Open-ended Wrench

Use a combination wrench if you don’t have an Allen wrench in your hand. The 2 ends of Combination wrenches are differently designed. One end is a socket-style wrench, while the other end comes with one open end.

Ratchet Wrench

A ratchet wrench is a type of tool compatible with several detachable sockets. This tool effectively tightens or loosens nuts or bolts of different sizes.

What tool can be used in place of Allen wrench?

Another tool that can be used in place of an Allen wrench is a torque wrench. It is used to control and apply a specific torque to a fastener including a bolt or a nut and is very important when you’re doing things like changing a tire or other maintenance including industrial repairs, to ensure the safety of others.

What is an open ended wrench?

A combination wrench has one open end and the other end is a socket style w rench. An open-ended wrench is just that, both ends are open.

Where did the Allen wrench get its name?

The Allen wrench got its name from the company that registered the trademark before these tools which is the former Allen Manufacturing Company that was located in Hartford, Connecticut.

What is a bundle of hex wrenches?

A bundle of hex wrenches is referred to as hex keys in the same goes for Allen wrenches and Allen keys. Either one will get the job done when you are trying to take apart wood, plastic, or metal or put it back together and it requires an Allen wrench.

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1.Videos of Can You Use Pliers Instead Of a Wrench

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23 hours ago Yes, you can use pliers instead of a wrench for tightening, loosening, or handling the bolts, nuts, and pipes. But this should not be on a regular basis, especially for the same bolts and nuts. Everyday use of pliers might strip out the bolt threads due to their flexible jaws, putting up a high chance of slipping out.

2.Can I use pliers instead of a wrench? - Quora

Url:https://www.quora.com/Can-I-use-pliers-instead-of-a-wrench

29 hours ago The pliers are often used as general purpose tools. They should only be used for operations that they were designed for, such as gripping and cutting. Never use a pliers or a wrench on nuts or bolts. Don’t use pliers when other tools are doing the same thing. Is a wrench and a spanner the same thing? wrench is a standard term in North America.

3.What to Use if You Don't Have a Wrench | Fantastic …

Url:https://www.fantastichandyman.co.uk/blog/what-to-use-if-you-dont-have-a-wrench/

9 hours ago Yes, you can try if you are stuck, you can sometimes get away with pliers if the fitting is not tight and you do not have the correct wrench. Take care not to round off the corners though, then you really will be stuck, a wrench will not fit, and you may have to use destructive tools like a …

4.substitute tool - What can I use in place of a spanner / …

Url:https://lifehacks.stackexchange.com/questions/6204/what-can-i-use-in-place-of-a-spanner-wrench

18 hours ago Although pliers can be used to tighten and loosen nuts, this is a task better suited to the wrench. Pliers tend to damage the surfaces of fasteners and are usually more difficult to use than a properly-sized wrench.

5.What to Use Instead of Allen Wrench? – 10 Alternatives

Url:https://vitalhandtools.com/what-to-use-instead-of-allen-wrench/

31 hours ago  · 1. You can make an improvised adjustable spanner with a second nut and bolt. Turn the nut towards the head until the gap between the nut and the bolt head is about the same width as the head you are undoing. Fit it over and adjust until it …

6.What can I use instead of a pipe wrench? - Quora

Url:https://www.quora.com/What-can-I-use-instead-of-a-pipe-wrench

30 hours ago We all have a few handheld tools in our home that can be used instead of the Allen wrench. Although you can use them to a certain degree, they will help you effectively complete the take apart or put together things. So, what things can you use? Look for items that have 2 contrasting flat angles, like a set of flat-tipped tweezers or nail clippers.

7.11 Alternatives to Allen Wrenches - Home Stratosphere

Url:https://www.homestratosphere.com/alternatives-to-allen-wrenches/

20 hours ago I usually used a tongue and groove adjustable pliers commonly known as a “Channellock”, which is also a registered trademark. You must use care to not crush the nut. There is a specialty wrench called a slip-joint nut wrench or plumber’s wrench. Never use a pipe wrench. You might also use a specialty wrench like a Ridgid spud or hex wrench.

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